Hazard symbols are useful as a visual aid in identifying hazardous materials. All hazardous materials must be labelled with at least one of the eight classes of symbols. Each "class" of hazardous materials has its own hazard symbol which is easily recognizable due to its symbol and the round border.

Note: Some products from the USA may have similar labels without the round border. Be sure to familiarize yourself with this situation.

THE EIGHT CLASSES of HAZARD SYMBOLS

* CLASS A - Compressed Gas

* CLASS B - Flammable & Combustible Materials

* CLASS C - Oxidizing Materials

* CLASS D1 - Poisonous and Infectious - Immediate and Serious Toxic Effects

* CLASS D2 - Poisonous and Infectious - Materials Causing Other Toxic Effects

* CLASS D3 - Poisonous and Infectious - Biohazardous Infectious Materials

* CLASS E - Corrosive Materials

* CLASS F - Dangerously Reactive Materials

We will now take a look at each of these symbols and learn about each.